a. Explain the various stages of Elections (5)
b. Explain the function of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Answers
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a. The process of elections in India runs through several formal stages. This is prescribed under the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1950, and the Act of 1951. The stages are:
1. Formation of constituencies: Constituency is a territorial area from where a candidate contests elections.
2. Filling of nominations: Nomination papers are filled with the returning officers.
3. Scrutiny of nomination papers: Scrutiny is done to check whether the information given in the nomination papers is correct or not.
4. Withdrawal of nominations: Once the scrutiny is over, the candidates are given a date for withdrawal.
5. Election campaign: Campaigning is the process by which a candidate tries to persuade the voters to vote for him rather than others. The various campaigning techniques are holding rallies, meetings, processions, pasting of posters, distributing hand bills, door-to-door canvassing etc.
6. Polling: The election campaign stops 48 hours before polling is held on the due date. Presiding officers and Polling officers supervise the whole polling process. The voters exercise their vote through secret ballot.
7. Counting and declaration of results: After the voting is over the ballot boxes are sealed and taken to a counting centre. On a fixed date and time, counting is done. Candidates getting the highest number of votes are declared elected.
b. The Chief Election Commissioner heads the Election Commission of India, a body constitutionally empowered to conduct free and fair elections to the national and state legislatures and of President and Vice-President.